Puente de los Peligros

In the heart of Murcia, Spain, spanning the serene waters of the Segura River, stands the illustrious Puente de los Peligros, also known as the Old Bridge. This stone arch bridge, completed in 1742, is not only the oldest surviving bridge in the city but also a testament to Murcia's rich history and architectural prowess. Its name, Puente de los Peligros, derives from the presence of a niche housing the revered image of the Virgin of Los Peligros, a figure deeply venerated by the locals.

The Historical Significance of Puente de los Peligros

The story of Puente de los Peligros begins with the destruction of its predecessor. On September 26, 1701, a devastating flood swept away the original 15th-century bridge that connected the city to the right bank of the Segura River, marking the start of a challenging yet remarkable journey towards the construction of the new bridge. This bridge was crucial as it served as the starting point of the royal road to Cartagena.

Due to the tumultuous times of the War of Spanish Succession, the project faced numerous delays. It wasn't until 1717, under the regency of D. Luis Salas y Sandoval, that the order to commence the construction of a new bridge was given. Toribio Martínez de la Vega, the engineer behind the memorial on the materials to be used, played a pivotal role in this ambitious endeavor. The first stone was ceremoniously laid on September 10, 1718, marking the beginning of a construction process that would span over two decades.

A Monumental Construction Effort

The construction of Puente de los Peligros was a monumental task fraught with challenges. Shortly after the work began, it was halted due to King Philip V's request for 14,000 doubloons to fund the construction of the Palacio de la Granja. Despite these setbacks, Martínez de la Vega persevered, managing to lay the central pillar and the abutments by 1733. However, progress remained slow, and it wasn't until Jaime Bort took over the project in 1739 that significant advancements were made.

Bort, building upon Martínez de la Vega's plans, made several modifications, including widening the bridge's entrances and adding two conical vaults at the northern end. He also designed a more artistic and decorative finish for the cutwaters. The construction of the arches was completed on August 15, 1740, and the entire bridge was finished in 1742. Statues of Saint Michael and Saint Raphael, crafted by Joaquín Laguna, were installed on the cutwaters, adding a touch of grandeur to the structure. On September 12, 1742, the image of Nuestra Señora de los Peligros was placed on the bridge, and a neoclassical shrine was later built on the right bank, giving the bridge its popular name.

Subsequent Enhancements and Enduring Legacy

In 1850, Puente de los Peligros underwent an expansion to widen its sidewalks through the addition of a metal structure attached to the stonework. This expansion led to the removal of the decorative elements on the cutwaters. However, this initial expansion proved insufficient, and in 1867, the metal structure was further enlarged, giving the bridge its current appearance.

The success of the Puente de los Peligros project was evident as it became the first bridge in Murcia's history to withstand the periodic floods of the Segura River, including the catastrophic flood of Santa Teresa in 1879. This resilience cemented its place as a vital and enduring piece of the city's infrastructure.

The Shrine of the Virgin of Los Peligros

The neoclassical shrine dedicated to the Virgin of Los Peligros, located on the southern side of the bridge in the Barrio del Carmen, is a beloved landmark. Designed by Carlos Cayetano Ballester, the shrine houses the image of the Virgin, to whom the people of Murcia show great devotion. It is a common sight to see locals crossing the bridge and making the sign of the cross in reverence to the Virgin.

The bridge and the Virgin of Los Peligros are immortalized in the popular zarzuela La alegría de la huerta (1900) by Federico Chueca, particularly in the passage Jota y Final, highlighting their cultural significance in the region.

In conclusion, the Puente de los Peligros is not merely a bridge but a symbol of resilience, faith, and architectural brilliance. Its storied past and enduring presence make it a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring the charming city of Murcia. As you stroll across this historic bridge, you are not just crossing the Segura River; you are traversing centuries of history, culture, and devotion that have shaped the very soul of Murcia.